Nintendo's North American plans for its stereoscopic 3D portable gaming machine will become much more clear on January 19, 2011, when the company holds a preview event for its next big thing, the Nintendo 3DS.

The company will be hosting a Nintendo 3DS event packed with "hands-on game play, demos and a presentation by president and COO of Nintendo of America Reggie Fils-Aime" next month in New York, where it's expected that release dates, launch titles and price will be officially unveiled to the video game press. Yes, this is a press-only event, but Kotaku will be attending and letting you know exactly what happens.

Japan gets the Nintendo 3DS on February 26. Will North America be too far behind? Best guesses are placing the 3DS for a mid-March release in the States.